The Canadian gold miner was previously involved in a months-long proxy fight with billionaire John Paulson’s hedge fund, which pushed for a complete overhaul of the board and Mr. Kenyon’s resignation.

Mr. Williams is a mining industry veteran and was a former CEO of gold and copper miner Orvana Minerals Corp.

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He was one of five members elected to the Detour Gold board at a special shareholders meeting held on Dec. 13. These nominees were backed by Paulson, which alleged that under the leadership of Mr. Kenyon the company had “unsuccessfully tried to boost short-term performance.”

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